Morris 40 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Morris 40 in 1995 continued Morris Yachts' tradition of building high-quality sailing vessels, a legacy established by founder Tom Morris in 1972. During this era, Morris Yachts maintained its philosophy of prioritizing pride of ownership and outstanding sailing experiences, while embracing technological advancements like fiberglass construction to enhance efficiency and consistency without compromising their stringent standards. Chuck Paine, the designer, famously described the Morris 40 as ideal for short-handed offshore voyaging, emphasizing its blend of speed and ease of handling. While the company did, in some instances, develop "stretch" versions of their designs (such as the Morris 40 to 42), the Morris 40 itself remained a celebrated model in its original configuration, embodying the builder's ethos of creating yachts "one at a time, by Maine's finest craftsmen."

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 40 feet (40.92 ft) and a waterline length of 32.0 feet, the Morris 40 is designed for both comfortable cruising and respectable performance. Its displacement of 19,400 pounds and a calculated Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of approximately 16.81 suggest a vessel with reasonably good performance across a range of wind conditions. The boat's Displacement to Length Ratio, calculated at around 264.38, positions it as a moderate displacement cruiser, capable of carrying cruising gear without significantly impacting performance. While the precise ballast weight for the Morris 40 is not widely published, Morris Yachts are known for their robust construction and inherent stability, indicative of a design intended to stand up well to wind and sea. The boat features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration generally favored for a good balance of performance and directional stability, particularly in offshore conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Morris 40 reflects Morris Yachts' reputation for exceptional quality and meticulous attention to detail. While specific headroom figures are not available, Morris interiors typically feature an "open interior plan that maximizes spaciousness" and exquisite joinery, often in a classic "Morris style with antique white" finishes. Owners and reviews frequently highlight the superior craftsmanship found throughout. The typical layout of a yacht in this size range from Morris would likely include a comfortable forward cabin, often with an en-suite head, a spacious main salon, and a well-appointed galley. Descriptions of similar Morris models mention a "large galley to port", suggesting ample space for meal preparation and entertaining. The emphasis is on creating a luxurious yet practical living space that is well-suited for extended cruising.